May24, 2007

Washington D.C.— Today, the Oversight and
Investigations Subcommittee (O&I) of the House
Armed Services Committee held another hearing on the
development of the Iraqi Security Forces.
Today’s focus was the development of the Iraqi
Police Service. Chairman Martin Meehan (MA)
released the following statement:

“I am
pleased to have the opportunity to hear from the military
personnel who are directly engaged in training the Iraqi
Police Service and preparing American servicemen and
women for that mission. The importance of the Iraqi
police is too often overlooked, so it is invaluable to
hear the firsthand experiences of the soldiers, marines,
and airmen participating in this effort. They are
doing a critical and highly dangerous
mission.

“I would like to recognize that the Department of
Defense, in what we hope is a newfound spirit of
cooperation, provided junior officers with a range of
backgrounds and experience levels, as we
requested.

“We had also hoped to hear from senior leaders who
oversee the Iraqi Police Service development
effort. Speaking with these leaders is essential to
understanding the plan for integrating the police into
the broader Iraqi security apparatus and learning about
our progress with Iraq-wide community policing, a key
element in any counter-insurgency. I look forward
to hearing from General Dempsey next month.”

Three weeks ago, the O&I
subcommittee requested to speak with the senior
Department officials responsible for overseeing the
Iraqi Police training effort. Members were told
that the only individual qualified to speak on these
matter was Lt. General Dempsey and that he would not be
available until June. No alternative witnesses
were provided.